Originally Posted by
jodis girls
Use a check cord and a pidgeon. When the dog scents the bird gently snap the cord not allowing the dog to advance and give a gentle whoa command. Keep this gental and calming not gruff. 4 months is a perfect age for this work. Do not let the dog chase or catch birds anymore or you will end up with a large problem.
I know there are alot of different ways to train a dog, but I would never say whoa to a pup or dog around birds until they know what whoa means. At only 4 months old I would still not have a problem with him chasing birds, this is just increasing his prey drive. I would not let him catch birds. A pidgeon on a string will teach hime to point with his nose (scent) instead of sight pointing a wing.